Council welcomes KerangLink funding, construction commitment

Published on 21 October 2022

Gannawarra Shire Council has welcomed the Australian and Victorian governments’ commitment to fund the construction of KerangLink – also known as VNI West – with the transformation project to be completed by 2028.

The project, which will link Victoria and New South Wales’ electricity networks, involves the construction of a 500 kilovolt double-circuit overhead transmission line that will pass through the Gannawarra, creating more than 2,000 jobs during construction.

“The announcement made by Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and Premier Daniel Andrews is welcome news to our communities, especially as we deal with the flood emergency,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Council is pleased to have led the way in advocating for KerangLink to occur, and it would not be possible without the support and advocacy from our local, State and Federal government colleagues. These include Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster; State Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio; State Government departments, including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and Regional Development Victoria; Mallee Regional Partnership; Murray River Group of Councils; and the Loddon Campaspe Group of Councils.”

The project will also fast track the development of renewable energy projects that are reliant on the upgrade of the electricity transmission network that passes through the Gannawarra.

“These developments, made possible thanks to KerangLink, will open up billions of dollars worth of investment in the Gannawarra, create thousands of jobs and potentially generate millions of dollars to our Council in future Payment in Lieu of Rates income, which will benefit our communities,” Acting Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“KerangLink paves the way for the Gannawarra to facilitate the creation of Australia’s largest renewal energy zone in the 21st century and be as transformational to the landscape of northern Victoria, as was the development of irrigation in the early 20th century.”

For more information regarding KerangLink, please visit www.aemo.com.au/VNI-West